Episodes

  • Nathan Presley | My Story | Yonder Studio Crossover

    Nathan Presley | My Story | Yonder Studio Crossover
    Dec 19 2025

    Crossover Episode with Nathan Yoder's YONDER STUDIO.https://yondrstudio.com/podcast Nathan Presley shares his journey as a filmmaker, discussing his early influences, struggles in Los Angeles, and the importance of community and faith in his creative process. He reflects on the challenges of balancing commercial work with personal projects and emphasizes the significance of persistence and surrender in the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. The conversation also delves into his latest short film, 'Flesh and Blood,' which explores themes of trauma and spirituality, showcasing his growth as a storyteller.

    Nathan Presley discusses the evolving relationship between art and faith, particularly in the context of social media's influence on artistic expression. He emphasizes the importance of creating art as an act of worship, navigating the tension between faith and cultural relevance, and the distinction between genuine art and propaganda.

    The discussion also touches on the necessity of honesty in artistic endeavors, the value of living quietly, and the challenge of conveying truth in art.

    Ultimately, Nathan encourages artists to create from a place of authenticity and to embrace their calling in the artistic space.

    https://yondrstudio.com/podcast

    Nathan discusses the challenges of pursuing a filmmaking career in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of community and faith in his journey. Nathan shares insights on balancing art and faith in creative work. He talks about his short film "Flesh and Blood" and its themes.

    The conversation explores the role of truth in storytelling. Nathan discusses the balance between relevance and authenticity in art. He shares his thoughts on the impact of social media on creativity. Nathan encourages artists to pursue their calling with boldness. Nathan Presley, Uncommon Creators, filmmaking, Oklahoma, Los Angeles, community, faith, authenticity, Flesh and Blood, art and faith, storytelling, relevance, authenticity

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - The Uncommon Creators Event
    • (00:00:45) - Nathan Yoder
    • (00:01:40) - Art and Faith Podcast
    • (00:03:10) - How I Stumbled Into Filmmaking
    • (00:09:06) - Jumping Forward: What Went Wrong For My Life
    • (00:14:55) - On Lay Down My Life
    • (00:18:20) - How to Start a Filmmaking Studio in Oklahoma
    • (00:21:43) - Speaking at a photography class
    • (00:22:07) - In the Elevator With Steven Spielberg
    • (00:25:22) - Having to learn the craft of filmmaking
    • (00:30:17) - How to Get the Best Out of Your Crew
    • (00:32:49) - Filmmaking vs Commercial Work
    • (00:35:07) - Filmmaking and Commercial
    • (00:36:37) - Flesh and Blood: A Short Film Review
    • (00:43:21) - Andy Warhol on Art and Faith
    • (00:46:37) - Art and the Christian Imagination
    • (00:51:13) - Philadelphians: Art and Propaganda
    • (00:58:10) - The Real Realists
    • (01:02:21) - Pushing the Dark Side of Art
    • (01:04:13) - "Deconstruction" in Film
    • (01:08:32) - Jon Jon on 'The Empty Nest'
    • (01:12:15) - The Need to Be Remarkably Remarkable
    • (01:21:19) - Non-Believer Artists on Writing
    • (01:23:54) - Art and Faith: Will You Keep It Up?
    • (01:25:28) - How to Find Nathan Presley
    • (01:26:10) - Nathan on Talking To People
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Ethan Nathaniel | Singer/Songwriter

    Ethan Nathaniel | Singer/Songwriter
    Nov 14 2025

    In this episode, Ethan Nathaniel shares his journey of faith and creativity, exploring how music has been a means of connecting with God amidst personal struggles. Ethan discusses the creative process, the significance of beauty in art, and how his experiences as a parent shape his understanding of spirituality. The conversation concludes with Ethan's aspirations for the future and his commitment to bringing beauty to the forefront of his work.

    Find Ethan: instagram.com/ethannathaniel

    Takeaways:

    Ethan's journey of faith began in childhood, influenced by his Christian upbringing.
    Music became a healing outlet for Ethan during difficult times.
    Community support played a crucial role in Ethan's life and faith journey.
    Ethan believes in the importance of beauty in art and creativity.
    Ambition should be balanced with personal relationships and family.
    The creative process involves both inspiration and discipline.
    Ethan emphasizes the need for artists to create without fear of judgment.
    Parenting has deepened Ethan's understanding of God's love and joy.
    Ethan aspires to bring orchestral arrangements back into his music.
    The conversation highlights the mystery of inspiration in the creative process.

    Chapters

    00:00 Finding God in Adversity
    05:59 The Role of Music in Healing
    10:14 Understanding Joy in Trials
    14:41 The Intersection of Faith and Art
    23:01 Creating Beauty Through Struggles
    28:59 Journey to France and Song Inspiration
    31:18 The Evolution of 'Heaven's Field'
    34:44 The Mystery of Artistic Inspiration
    39:00 Creating Space for Inspiration
    44:30 Balancing Ambition and Family Life
    50:33 Pursuing Beauty in Art
    53:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
    58:10 NEWCHAPTER

    Keywords

    Ethan Nathaniel, music, faith, creativity, inspiration, community, parenting, beauty, ambition, art

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Art and Faith with Ethan Nathaniel
    • (00:01:23) - The First Time God Feels Real To Me
    • (00:08:40) - James on Joy Amidst Trials
    • (00:14:12) - Father on God's Will vs. His Sovereignty
    • (00:15:07) - The Pain of Writing Music
    • (00:17:34) - The Holy Spirit in Your Music
    • (00:20:06) - "Filling the Earth With Beauty"
    • (00:27:20) - "Too Far Gone" by The National
    • (00:28:21) - Are There Any Songs That You Love?
    • (00:34:29) - How To Write: Inspiration
    • (00:39:21) - 3 Spiritual Practices That Are Part of My Routine
    • (00:44:35) - Adam Levine on Being Accentual
    • (00:50:28) - Ethan Harris on Being Called to More Music
    • (00:53:40) - How to Write Music
    • (00:56:38) - Prayer for Ethan Jones
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    58 mins
  • Disney Animation Filmmakers | Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears

    Disney Animation Filmmakers | Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
    Oct 31 2025
    Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, directors and writers of the animated short film ForeverGreen, share their personal faith journeys and how these experiences have shaped their creative work. They discuss the importance of storytelling in conveying spiritual themes, the challenges they faced during the film's production, and the role of community support in their creative process. The conversation highlights the intersection of art and faith, emphasizing the power of storytelling to communicate deep truths and engage audiences. In this conversation, Nathan Engelhardt and Nathan Presley explore the intricacies of creativity, collaboration, and the spiritual dimensions of storytelling. They discuss the challenges faced during creative projects, the importance of patience and generosity, and the role of faith in guiding artistic expression. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of storytelling as a means of conveying deeper truths and survival information, while also addressing the need for rest and reflection in the creative process. Takeaways Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears are directors and writers of the animated short film Forever Green.Both creators share their personal faith journeys and how they intersect with their work.The film aims to convey deep spiritual themes through storytelling and animation.They discuss the importance of allegory in conveying complex ideas simply.The creative process involved collaboration and overcoming various challenges.Personal struggles and spiritual battles influenced their storytelling.Community support played a crucial role in the film's development.They emphasize the importance of being genuine in faith and creativity.The film serves as a platform for sharing the gospel and engaging with audiences.Future aspirations include continuing to create meaningful stories that glorify God. Creativity often requires patience and a generous spirit.Collaboration enhances the quality of creative work.Storytelling can convey profound truths without explicit dialogue.Rest is essential for creative rejuvenation and clarity.Every story should have a clear message or survival information.Faith plays a crucial role in guiding creative endeavors.Small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes.Listening to feedback is vital for improving creative projects.The pacing of a story can greatly impact its emotional resonance.Artistic expression can serve as a bridge to deeper conversations about faith. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Forever Green03:05 Personal Faith Journeys06:07 The Role of Spiritual Warfare08:37 The Creative Process Behind Forever Green11:33 The Calling to Create14:20 The Story of the Three Trees17:39 God Moments in Storytelling20:29 The Impact of Allegory in Film23:22 Conclusion and Future of Forever Green31:14 Navigating Hypocrisy and Authenticity33:00 The Struggle with Sin and Grace36:19 The Journey of Spiritual Purification38:43 Facing Resistance in Creative Endeavors41:03 Balancing Family and Creative Pursuits44:57 The Process of Filmmaking and Collaboration47:33 Handling Creative Differences50:15 Extracting the Spirit Behind Feedback58:12 The Art of Animation and Storytelling59:37 The Power of Silence in Film01:02:16 Finding Rest and Recalibration01:04:04 The Importance of Intentional Storytelling01:07:25 Faith and Creative Expression01:09:44 The Role of Art in Spiritual Conversations01:14:19 Survival Information in Storytelling Keywords art, faith, animation, storytelling, spiritual journey, creativity, Disney, Forever Green, personal growth, community support, creativity, collaboration, storytelling, filmmaking, faith, leadership, artistic process, project manag... Chapters (00:00:01) - Art and Faith(00:01:32) - In the Elevator With Forevergreen(00:02:07) - What Was The Moment That God Became Real To You?(00:08:32) - The Battle of spiritual warfare(00:09:42) - The Lion and the Bear in Forevergreen(00:13:46) - Jeremy on The Lord's Direction(00:19:07) - In the Elevator With Jeremy(00:21:57) - Jeremy and Nathan on The Art of Parables(00:23:54) - The Tale of the Three Trees(00:31:18) - Paul on The Unqualified(00:37:12) - The Three Hurdles of Laying That Sin Down(00:42:15) - The Process of Making a Documentary(00:46:47) - Disney's The Story(00:51:37) - The Spirit of the Note(00:56:07) - How To Make A Western Film(01:00:55) - The Tree's Voice(01:02:09) - The Lord's Rest(01:07:59) - The film's small beginnings(01:11:24) - Hemsworth Creative Art Conference and Hume Lake Creative Arts Conference(01:13:22) - How To Tell a Story(01:18:49) - Prayer for Nathan
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Mark Freiburger | Filmmaker | "Craft & Calling"

    Mark Freiburger | Filmmaker | "Craft & Calling"
    Oct 24 2025

    In this conversation, Nathan Presley speaks with filmmaker Mark Freiburger about his journey in the film industry, focusing on his latest project 'Between Borders'. They discuss the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of storytelling in faith-based films, and how personal faith influences creativity. Mark shares insights on directing techniques, the significance of community, and the struggles of turning down opportunities that don't align with his convictions. The conversation concludes with Mark's aspirations for future projects and the role of spirituality in his creative process.

    Art & Video video podcast:

    https://www.youtube.com/nathanpresley

    Contact Mark | https://www.MarkFreiburger.com

    Takeaways: Mark Freiburger emphasizes the importance of storytelling over messaging in faith-based films.

    He shares his experience of making 'Between Borders' under a tight schedule and budget.

    Mark discusses his directing style and the techniques he employed during filming.

    He highlights the significance of personal faith in his creative process.

    Mark reflects on the challenges of turning down lucrative opportunities for personal convictions.

    He believes that the audience is more open to diverse stories than previously thought.

    Mark encourages aspiring filmmakers to immerse themselves in their craft and learn continuously.

    He shares insights on the importance of community and routine in his life as a father and filmmaker.

    Mark discusses the need for authenticity in faith-based storytelling.

    He expresses excitement for future projects that align with his values and creative vision.

    Keywords:

    Mark Freiburger, Between Borders, filmmaking, faith-based films, storytelling, directing, creative process, personal faith, community, inspiration, Angel studio, Elizabeth Tabish, Filmmaker, craft and calling,

    Chapters
    • (00:00:01) - Mark Freiberg
    • (00:01:53) - Between Borders: The Fastest Film Made
    • (00:06:09) - How Cinematographer On '' Had
    • (00:07:59) - Tom Hardy on '
    • (00:08:49) - Elizabeth Tabish on Working With Steven Spielberg
    • (00:09:36) - How To Make A 20 Day Drama
    • (00:13:43) - How To Edit a Short Film In Post-
    • (00:15:05) - The Life of Working As a Creator
    • (00:16:28) - How Much Do You Enjoy Working On a Film?
    • (00:18:37) - What Do Faith Films Need To Do Different?
    • (00:23:22) - Will Smith on the Holy Spirit in His Writing
    • (00:27:23) - Tom Holland on Turning Down a Directorial Job
    • (00:28:15) - How To Write a Scriptment
    • (00:30:57) - In the Elevator With Creatives
    • (00:33:52) - God's Plan for Week Three
    • (00:34:49) - Have You Got What It Takes to Make a Movie?
    • (00:40:23) - The Preachers and Sneakers: A Film
    • (00:47:49) - In the Elevator With Christian Short Film
    • (00:49:33) - Mark Freiberger on Feeling Called to Create
    • (00:51:04) - A Prayer for Mark and His Marriage
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Mad Charcoal | Fine Art

    Mad Charcoal | Fine Art
    Oct 16 2025
    See his work: www.instagram.com/mad.charcoal Takeaways: Art can be a powerful expression of faith.The journey of an artist often begins in childhood.Navigating the intersection of faith and creativity is challenging yet rewarding.Marriage and family can significantly influence an artist's work.Passion and dedication are key to developing artistic skills.Art should reflect both darkness and light to convey deeper meanings.Representing Jesus in art requires careful consideration of theology.Nature can serve as a profound source of inspiration for artists.Art can facilitate meaningful conversations about faith.The impact of art can transcend belief systems and touch hearts. Art can bypass analytical barriers and reach the heart.The Holy Spirit's influence in creativity is often unrecognized.Artists may not fully control the interpretation of their work.Daily scripture reading can transform one's perspective.Community is essential for accountability and growth in faith.Stewardship of talents is a responsibility given by God.Social media can be addictive and distracting.Delayed gratification leads to deeper fulfillment.It's important to cut off distractions that lead to sin.Trusting God with emotional struggles is crucial for growth. Summary In this conversation, Nathan Presley and artist Mad Charcoal, also known as Josh Hernandez, explore the intricate relationship between art and faith. They discuss Josh's journey as an artist, the influence of his family and marriage on his work, and the challenges of representing spiritual themes in art. The dialogue delves into the importance of balancing darkness and light in artistic expression, the theological implications of depicting Jesus, and the transformative power of art in fostering spiritual conversations. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the significance of finding inspiration in both faith and nature, highlighting how art can serve as a profound medium for exploring and expressing one's spiritual journey. In this conversation, Nathan Presley and Mad Charcoal explore the intersection of art, faith, and community. They discuss how art can serve as a form of worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in creativity, and the importance of community and accountability in spiritual growth. They also delve into the challenges of navigating social media and technology in a faith-driven life, emphasizing the need for stewardship of talents and the value of delayed gratification in personal and spiritual development. Chapters 00:00 The Role of Art in Faith08:32 Creating Meaningful Artwork11:04 The Challenge of Representing Jesus13:37 The Depth of the Crucifixion16:13 Theological Reflections on Art24:06 The Nature of God and Artistic Expression26:46 Finding Inspiration in Darkness29:18 The Role of Faith in Creativity31:48 Transformative Power of Art34:37 Art as a Medium for Spiritual Connection38:32 The Influence of the Holy Spirit in Creativity41:32 Spiritual Practices and Community Engagement48:31 Navigating Community Challenges50:47 The Role of Art in Faith51:55 Understanding Ambition and Stewardship58:09 Transforming Technology Use01:07:37 Spiritual Growth and Delayed Gratification01:17:07 NEWCHAPTER Keywords art, faith, creativity, Mad Charcoal, spiritual journey, artistic expression, marriage, inspiration, representation of Jesus, darkness and light, art, worship, Holy Spirit, creativity, spiritual practices, community, accountability, stewardship, social media, personal growth Chapters (00:00:01) - Mad Charcoal(00:03:32) - How Did God Become Real to Me?(00:09:43) - "It's Like a Covid Pressure Cooker"(00:10:06) - How Old Are You When You Get Married?(00:11:05) - The Secret to Creativity(00:13:38) - Catholic Artist Dazzles With Drawing At Church(00:18:06) - "Going for It"(00:19:02) - The Art of Painting A Jesus(00:24:45) - The Dark Side of Your Work(00:26:42) - How To Get Inspired To Make a Work(00:29:52) - Rethinking Reading the Bible(00:34:47) - "The Art of Fear"(00:38:26) - Does the Holy Spirit Play a Role in the Creative Process?(00:39:42) - The Artist's Place in the Meaning of Their Work(00:41:20) - 5 Spiritual Practices That Have Been Valuable to My Life(00:43:47) - Josh on His Church Life(00:47:27) - Biggie on Small Group(00:51:31) - Ambition and Its Relationship with God(00:57:09) - A Lesson on Fear(00:57:54) - Purity on Social Media(01:03:07) - How to Stop Watching TV(01:05:52) - Christopher Nolan Doesn't Have A Cell Phone(01:07:31) - Top 3 Spiritual Advice For Your 20 Year Old Self(01:10:21) - Is There a Spiritual Call You're Being Called To?(01:13:42) - Josh McDowell's(01:15:40) - Praying for Nathan's Creativity
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Don Clark | Invisible Creature Co-Founder & Artist | "The Intersection of Art & Faith"

    Don Clark | Invisible Creature Co-Founder & Artist | "The Intersection of Art & Faith"
    Oct 3 2025

    Link to Don's Art & Kids book mentioned: https://invisiblecreature.com/shop?type=Books

    Nathan Presley and Don Clark explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing the journey of Invisible Creature, the impact of community, and the balance between ambition and spirituality. They reflect on personal experiences, the role of family in creativity, and the evolving landscape of Christian art, emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful expression in their work.

    FLESH & BLOOD SHORT FILM WEB PAGE: https://www.prodigal.la/film

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background
    02:16 Faith and Personal Journey
    04:01 The Role of Music and Community
    06:31 Marriage and Family Dynamics
    09:21 The Importance of Relationships in Work
    11:57 Art's Impact and Purpose
    14:12 Legacy and Meaningful Projects
    19:48 Creative Inspirations and Personal Projects
    23:01 The Role of Faith in Creativity
    27:47 Navigating Faith and Professional Life
    34:29 Lessons from Experience and Ambition
    40:26 The Power of Memories and Communication
    42:53 The Impact of Fatherhood on Beliefs and Art
    45:26 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work
    45:41 The Emotional Weight of Film and Personal Experiences
    48:31 Creating Meaningful Art: A Journey of Faith
    54:24 Mentorship and Supporting Young Creatives


    Takeaways

    Art is a powerful expression of faith.
    Community plays a vital role in creative work.
    Navigating life's challenges can strengthen faith.
    Relationships with clients can lead to meaningful work.
    Ambition should be balanced with faith and purpose.
    Family influences creativity and artistic direction.
    Creating art can be a form of ministry.
    The quality of Christian art is improving.
    Young creatives need guidance and support.
    Personal experiences shape artistic expression.

    Sound Bites

    "Art is a powerful expression of faith."
    "Creating art can be a form of ministry."
    "The future of Christian art is bright."

    Titles

    Art and Faith: A Conversation with Don Clark
    The Intersection of Creativity and Belief

    Keywords

    art, faith, creativity, Invisible Creature, community, punk rock, family, Christian art, ambition, relationships

    Chapters
    • (00:00:02) - Illustrator Don Clark on Art and Faith
    • (00:02:11) - Punk Rock Singer Don Clark on His Faith
    • (00:06:23) - Talking About Growing Up in the Midwest
    • (00:06:44) - Lego Star on How the Lord Has Showed Up
    • (00:10:19) - Is Your Work the Most Life-Giving Part of Your Work?
    • (00:14:36) - "Art Is Important to God's Kingdom"
    • (00:16:11) - "The Circle Is the Most Important
    • (00:18:21) - Can You Pick Your Favorite Work?
    • (00:20:47) - How Creativity Is Driven by the Holy Spirit
    • (00:22:58) - Have You Found a Spiritual Practice?
    • (00:25:27) - Talking About Your Faith in the Band
    • (00:27:51) - Invisible Creature
    • (00:33:25) - Have You Had To Turn Down Work Because Of Your Confessions?
    • (00:34:16) - Tom Cruise on Giving Spiritual Advice to His Younger Self
    • (00:35:22) - Adam Levine on Ambition and Its
    • (00:40:26) - How Being Married and Having Kids Affected My Work
    • (00:45:25) - The Film Review
    • (00:48:20) - Flesh and Blood Special Screening
    • (00:50:40) - Do You Think Christian Content Is Being Considered?
    • (00:54:47) - Ideas for a Second Career
    • (00:58:21) - Prayer for Don Jones
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    59 mins
  • Kenneth Chang | "Christian Horror Films"

    Kenneth Chang | "Christian Horror Films"
    Sep 26 2025

    Their Website & Devo : www.uncommonvoices.faith/dont-look-away

    Kenneth Chang, a multifaceted filmmaker and the CEO of Uncommon Voices Collective and Nathan Presley explore the intersection of art and faith, discussing how Kenneth's experiences in the Korean church shaped his creative journey. Kenneth shares insights on the power of storytelling, particularly in the horror genre, as a means of healing and confronting personal and collective traumas. The discussion also touches on the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of community, and the spiritual practices that guide Kenneth's creative process. As they delve into the significance of honesty in storytelling, they emphasize the need for authenticity in faith-based narratives, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of art in both personal and communal contexts.

    Takeaways:

    Creation is a way for Christians to express their faith.
    Art has the power to heal and set captives free.
    The journey of filmmaking is filled with challenges and resistance.
    Spiritual practices like journaling can foster gratitude and reflection.
    Storytelling can be a means of confronting personal traumas.
    Community support is vital for creative growth.
    Authenticity in faith-based narratives is essential.
    The horror genre can effectively explore deep spiritual themes.
    Art can help us process our experiences and emotions.
    Engaging with beauty can bypass analytical barriers to healing.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Moment God Became Real
    07:27 The Journey into Filmmaking
    14:06 Creative Process and Spirituality
    18:19 Challenges in Filmmaking
    22:33 The Intersection of Horror and Spirituality
    28:25 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Creativity
    33:25 Facing Shadows: The Reality of Pain in Faith-Based Films
    43:04 The Power of Beauty and Art
    45:16 Spiritual Reflections Through Film
    47:54 Personal Spiritual Practices and Growth
    49:32 Advice to My Younger Self
    53:58 Current Endeavors and Community Impact
    58:33 Facing Personal Demons Through Art
    01:00:59 Resources for Creatives and Final Thoughts

    Keywords:

    Kenneth Chang, filmmaking, Christian horror, art and faith, storytelling, creative process, spiritual growth, healing through art, Uncommon Voices, horror genre

    Chapters
    • (00:00:02) - Kenneth Chang
    • (00:01:41) - When Did God Become Real to You?
    • (00:04:10) - In the Elevator With Retreat Participants
    • (00:05:34) - Prayers for the Skits
    • (00:07:24) - How I Turned From Storytelling To Film
    • (00:13:04) - Inventing Your Own Story
    • (00:13:45) - In the Elevator: A Refusal
    • (00:17:17) - The Making of Paranormal Film
    • (00:22:06) - Kenji and Kenneth Both of You Made Spiritual Horror Films
    • (00:28:36) - "Both evil and illness are expressions of something
    • (00:28:55) - The Holy Spirit's Role in the Creative Process
    • (00:33:23) - What Do You Think of Faith?
    • (00:39:03) - Why Does Job Ask the Why?
    • (00:42:03) - Favorite Films and Moments in Films
    • (00:45:13) - Penny Dreadful: The End
    • (00:47:50) - Do You Have Any Regular Spiritual Practices?
    • (00:49:23) - What Spiritual Advice Would You Give To Your Younger Self?
    • (00:53:48) - Common Voices: What Keeps You Busy
    • (00:56:32) - David Eggers on Working On His Next Film
    • (00:58:23) - "Confessions of a Father"
    • (01:00:41) - Prayers for the Prisoners
    • (01:02:25) - Prayer for Kenneth and His Family
    • (01:04:10) - Scream Fest + Flesh and Blood Double Header
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • CRAFT | Screenwriting | Pilar Alessandra

    CRAFT | Screenwriting | Pilar Alessandra
    Sep 15 2025

    World renown screenwriting instructor & professor Pilar Alessandra talks simplifing story and writing craft

    Link to her podcast & More: onthepage.tv

    Takeaways:

    Writers often worry too much about making mistakes.
    Many new writers write stories that aren't their own.
    Finding your unique voice is crucial in writing.
    Setting time limits can help overcome writer's block.
    Originality doesn't mean complete uniqueness; it's about fresh perspectives.
    Loglines are essential for focusing your story.
    Successful writers enjoy the process and are open to experimentation.
    Playfulness in writing can lead to better creativity.
    Receiving notes should be about understanding intent, not just following advice.
    Writing partnerships require clear communication and agreements.

    Summary

    Pilar Alessandra discussing common mistakes new writers make, the importance of finding one's unique voice, and strategies for overcoming writer's block. She emphasizes the significance of originality in storytelling, the role of loglines, and the dynamics of writing partnerships. Pilar also touches on creating faith-based stories without being preachy, the element of surprise in storytelling, and the importance of playfulness in the writing process. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical tips and encourages writers to embrace their creativity and enjoy the journey of storytelling.

    Chapters


    03:44 Common Mistakes in Writing
    06:26 Finding Your Unique Voice
    09:01 Breaking Down Story Structure
    11:37 Overcoming Writer's Block
    14:13 The Importance of Originality
    17:00 Developing Compelling Characters
    19:32 The Role of Loglines
    21:40 Patterns in Successful Writers
    25:28 Navigating Feedback: The Art of Receiving Notes
    26:20 The Note Process: Understanding Intentions
    29:02 Collaborative Writing: The Dynamics of Writing Partners
    31:21 Starting Your Writing Journey: Exercises and Exploration
    32:22 Faith-Based Storytelling: Balancing Message and Authenticity
    33:04 Show, Don't Tell: The Power of Subtext
    35:39 The Element of Surprise: Keeping Audiences Engaged
    39:04 Finding Balance: The Lift and Drag of Storytelling
    39:20 Personal Favorites: Films That Resonate
    43:30 Faith in Storytelling: Subtlety Over Preachiness
    45:01 Conveying the Unseen: Objects as Symbols in Storytelling

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Screenwriting Craft
    • (00:02:00) - How My First Draft Got Made
    • (00:03:33) - What Are the Most Common Mistakes Made By Writers?
    • (00:07:17) - What's a Logline?
    • (00:08:42) - There Are Many Ways to Break Story
    • (00:10:42) - How to Write Without Writer's Block
    • (00:15:02) - What's Your Fresh Take On Something?
    • (00:18:21) - Questions to Ask Yourself as a Screenwriter
    • (00:19:52) - Binge-Writing Tips
    • (00:21:31) - The Importance of a Logline
    • (00:22:49) - The Types of Writers You Like
    • (00:26:14) - How To Take Notes On a Script
    • (00:28:59) - How To Write With A Writing Partner
    • (00:32:09) - How To Write a Faith Based Movie
    • (00:34:01) - What's The Problem With Show Don't Tell
    • (00:34:28) - White Lotus
    • (00:35:32) - Tom Holland on Surprise in Films
    • (00:39:07) - Favorite Film Scripts
    • (00:41:51) - On The Page: Where to Start?
    • (00:43:20) - Have You threaded the needle on a Faith Based Story?
    • (00:44:53) - How To Write About Unseen Things
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins